Hello people, I'm well aware that this update took a long time and I deeply apologize for the same. It was due to some personal reasons that the delay happened. I'm sorry to inform you that I'm leaving this project, in lieu of the same, though the story shall be continued by a different author.
As you are well aware, this is a requested piece and therefore the original requestor is currently in search of a new author for this project.
I'm extremely thankful for their patience and kindness with the unexpected turn of events. This update is more than a month late than the decided schedule, yet they've been nothing but understanding.
I'll update you on the continuation, once a willing author is found. Till then, I hope you enjoy this chapter from my side!
The flight to the cinema was fairly uneventful. Rather a little unintentionally amusing if anything, with Bulla trying her hardest to stay close to the pack, or a certain someone, while the other was as oblivious as ever, showing his skills off, flipping around, letting himself drop, then flying up again, his partner squealing and screaming in his arms.
Valese was mesmerized, she'd been scared at first reaching out for Goten every time he used to dip and flip in one of his many wondrous moves.
But then, she relaxed, enjoying herself to the fullest, lost in his kind eyes as he held her tighter with every maneuver.
Even as his grip tightened, he was gentle, careful in how he held her, his hands warm and adaptive, molding themselves like water to her curves.
The heat emanating from his hands warmed her all over, even in the harshness of the cool wind whipping past them, she was warm and safer than she'd ever been, even when walking on land.
She came to the realization that he was breaking their momentum, catching up to the rest in bursts of speed, taking care not to make her nauseous.
She looked up at him again, then caught a distant view of the gang and was grateful. It warmed her from the inside that he was so very considerate of her, being goofy and pretend-oblivious at the same time.
It touched her deeply.
They landed shortly after, but Goten did not let go of her, moving ahead of them all, still carrying her in the safety of his arms.
Valese blushed furiously, trying to look over his shoulder and catching the bewildered and indignant expressions directed towards them.
But what she did not see was the fuming anger painting Bulla's otherwise angelic features.
Bulla was enraged and...confused.
Very much so for that matter.
What was it about the human that had Son Goten enamored to the point where his senses only stretched out to her needs? Rendered him utterly incapable of noticing his lifelong friends? Just what effect did the girl have on him?
But she didn't have the necessary faculties or the patience to ponder on that.
Making her way, past the astounded group, she marched on towards the oblivious pair, determined.
She could hear the hushed voice coming from his companion, apparently too low for him to take notice of.
"Goten..Um...Goten...?"
Bulla was always one for a more tactile approach and so, tapping his shoulder, she was glad she'd managed to break him out of the trance the said human couldn't.
Startled he paused, turning slightly towards her, flushing as he looked at the rest over his shoulder.
"Oh..uh, hi Bulla!"
Now, while she was happy that she'd got his attention, it still was divided. The blushing brunette in his arms a huge mood-breaker. The worst of all was, that he still hadn't managed to take notice, despite the body's constant squirming.
Even in her squirming, his hands seemed to move and accommodate her of their own accord.
He didn't have any intention of letting go.
Well, we'll have to change that, won't we?
"Goten when are you planning to.."
Oh wait, there was a better approach, you gotta use that head of yours when one has such genius brains to boast of. Satisfied, she let her muscles relax a little.
"I'm sorry, I didn't get you there B. Have I forgotten something? I sure hope not!" He chuckled nervously and Bulla had the fleeting hope, he'd scratch his neck out of pure habit, and accidentally drop her, but none of that happened, it was just wishful thinking on her part.
She sighed mentally.
But giving it some more thought, she was glad that wasn't the case.
She soon realized that, as she thought about the reason the girl was in his arms in the first place, apart from the inability to fly, he'd been guarding her, supporting her throughout their time together.
Practically, she'd been in his arms the entirety of their afternoon. That is where she'd introduced herself, made herself known, and stolen the spotlight from Bulla, brewed the relentless storm inside her, and to think the whole time she hadn't moved an inch.
How ironic!
But the Saiyan Princess wasn't gonna go down without a fight. One with an absolute victor.
"Yes actually, hadn't you promised the next time we come here you'll get me one of those chocolate dipped ice-cream cones, I want a triple-dip this time! Also, I'm sure Valese here would appreciate walking on her own now, you know I mean it is pretty embarrassing for her you know?" Glancing towards the girl, she nodded in agreement, blushing even brighter now, bordering on florescent if anything.
"But...she's hurt!"
Out of the whole dialogue, that was the only part that struck out to him, figures.
"Oh you know the thing with sprains Goten, the more immobile you keep them, the more stiff they become that is.."
"Yeah, a more long and painful recovery period.."
"Exactly! Besides, it can't be that bad right?"
He still looked unsure though, forced to ask his cradled companion about her views on the subject.
"I really am fine Goten. It doesn't even hurt anymore, see..." moving her ankle back and forth, trying to assure him, though unsuccessfully.
Her movement was still jerky at best, trying her hardest not to wince. Fortunately for her, Marron and Pan had decided to intervene, and well, they, especially Pan wanted her newfound friend back and right now!
"Stop embarrassing her, you Doof! She can walk, if not, I'll help her just let her down, will you?! And those ice cream cones, bring one for all of us, okay?...No, make that three for me. Also...ooh! I almost forgot, ask them if they have those popping candy things, they're wild!"
Marron seconded her, though a lot more politely, canting her head to the side, examining the ankle.
"You know the swelling doesn't seem too bad, given that she tripped today itself, some movement should do her good, just try to keep most of your weight tipped on the other foot. You know the time, I'd sprained my wrist, kept it bandaged up for a week, oh the stiffness after, ah-ah you definitely don't want that!"
Letting out a deep sigh, Goten reluctantly lowered Valese down to the concrete pavement, Marron and Pan moving forward to take hold of her hands, supporting her as she stepped back into the culprit heels again, keeping her injured foot slightly raised, but setting it back down considering how the position would only add to her problems.
Goten observed her every move with meticulous detail, his face contorted in worry.
Once satisfied with her footing, Valese looked up, meeting Goten's worried gaze trying to reassure him but gasped.
"Valese! You-you okay?! Mm...guys I don't know if this is such a good idea, why can't I just carry her all the way, it ain't too far now!"
Valese smiled at that, about to speak up again, but was interrupted by a frustrated Pan- "Because, you Sir are gonna get us those ice cream cones now since you're the only one who knows that guy! Second, she can walk, you gotta let her stand first, you worrywart! And...oh I can't believe I have to say this, but...It. Is. Embarrassing!"
Valese and Goten, both flushed scarlet at that, her shaking her head mouthing how she didn't agree, but still averted her gaze looking apologetic.
Goten smiled.
Marron watched the whole exchange with quiet amusement, giggling to herself, looking over her shoulder briefly.
"Okay, okay, I'll back off alright? You all want them triple dipped? Hey Mar, you think Trunks wants one? Actually..." taking note of his surroundings again he turned back, "Where is he anyway?"
"Oh I just asked him to see what's on show today, and yeah, I think he'll take one, it's a hot day after all, plus they are some of the best in town! Triple dipped for us as well, also...if it isn't too much to ask, um extra crispies for me please!"
"Oh sure, why not! So, candy, extra crispies, and something you'd like Valese? Oh, and what flavor, I mean I know theirs, but what would you like?"
"Oh, I like Chocolate, the almond one! Other than that...hm, no not much, maybe ask them if they could hand you some ice, if not that's fine too!"
"Oh yeah, I was planning on it, don't worry I'll get it, you know perks of knowing the guy and all! We'll be right back, you move slow okay? Come on Bulla!"
Bulla, who'd gone through a series of emotions watching the whole scene unfold in front of her, had recently taken off and was sitting on a nearby bench, was now bored and couldn't be any less bothered by the conversation had taken to cooling herself off, spraying water and straightening her bodycon, which she was regretting wearing.
On hearing her name though, she snapped up, turning her attention towards the most open, inviting, beaming smile she'd ever scene, happy to see the others taking off in the distance.
They were finally alone.
"Yeah? Oh finally, my beloved ice cream, here I come!"
Springing up from the bench, she latched onto his arm, about to head towards the arcade, when she caught his confused look.
"What? I know I can walk in heels and all, but you see the gravel there? Why couldn't they just make everything indoors? But no! Cross one building, then grass...so many terrains, I'm not on some TV show, you know? Ugh!" Her eyes crossing.
Goten laughed catching her expression and shook his head, relaxing, moving forward.
"Oh Bulla, I tell you, you and Trunks, just don't like the outdoors, like there's nothing you can tell me that will make me change my mind!" He laughed heartily, his hair falling into his face, glowing softly illuminated by the sunlight, as he pushed them back up, looking oh so young and beautiful.
Normally, Bulla would've come up with a retort or a snide remark had it been anyone else or another time, but this moment, she couldn't even bring himself to look away, losing herself, her eyes drinking in the beauty that was Goten. His cheeks bouncing, eyes squinting, the laugh lines, his sculpted jaw, truly a sight to behold!
She was awestruck.
And that is how she lost her balance but was just as quickly caught by Goten, his large hands coming up to wrap around her waist to steady her.
The fleeting touch setting her ablaze.
"My God B, you too? Y'all are loopy today! You aren't hurt though, are you?"
His tone was more amused than anything, but asking her if she'd hurt herself, he sounded genuinely concerned, she felt tingly.
"Yeah, yeah I'm fine! Good catch, I must say!"
"Oh, I'm just happy you're fine and look! We're here, hm, they opened these doors permanently, good change! They were too noisy."
Reaching the counter, Goten placed their order, while Bulla excused herself to the restroom.
"This one needs the crispies, right?"
Looking up from his mobile, he nodded, looking over at the restrooms, seeing Bulla exit, when he caught the leering gaze a group of guys had fixed her with, readying themselves to head her way, licking their lips, pulling on them roughly, a growl emanating from their chests.
"Hey man, keep those ready, I'll be right back, yeah?"
"Yeah, sure dude, take your time, it's cool!"
That done, he made a bee-line for Bulla, wrapping an arm around her shoulders gently, but firmly, leading her back to the counter, as he glared death at the group.
"Oh! Goten what-"
Looking up, she followed his glare, finding the group of shabbily dressed men rolling their eyes at him, walking away defeatedly.
"Hey!...the staring again?"
Goten focused his attention back on her, as he took a step back and nodded wordlessly, a frown touching his lips.
"You know that's how it is, then again, I can handle myself, you know?" The words were meant to show her slight apprehension over the situation but failed as they came out flat.
She didn't mind though, as she internally jumped for joy, her mind playing out a dramatic version of the scene over and over again.
She quickly got back on land and reality though, as he held out the cones, handing some to her, responding "Yeah, but I can't help it! It's like all of them get a free pass to be straight-up jerks! You should be able to wear whatever, that's just uncalled for." He shook himself off, a disgusted expression on his face.
His anger only served for Bulla to admire him even more, the fact that she was the reason for his outburst, the dark undertone of his glare, the concoction disturbingly pleasant.
"Come on, we're running a little late."
Bulla followed, a dreamy smile on her face.
"Here! Sorry, we're a little late, ran into...some people." Goten wrinkled his nose, exhaling loudly, his nostrils flaring.
"You okay there bro? Something up?" Trunks enquired, it was a rather hard task to get the always beaming Goten riled up about something, even when sparring, he fought with zeal, though never fueled by anger.
It must be something big to have brought such a reaction out of his friend.
"Ah, it's nothing, just people being idiots." He muttered quietly.
Trunks listened intently, hoping for his friend to continue, but frowned when he realized that he wasn't gonna get more out of him, as Goten made his way to sit beside Valese, helping her with her icepack. He directed his gaze towards Bulla, knowing she was the only other person who knew.
Feeling her brother's gaze burning through her skull, she looked up and idly gestured towards her outfit, that was the only explanation he needed.
Trunks clenched his teeth briefly, running a hand through his hair disappointed, pushing down the anger threatening to boil under his skin.
He looked towards his girlfriend as Marron slid closer to him, whispering as she kissed the fingers of his unoccupied hand.
"She'll be fine, Goten set them straight...don't worry so much."
"Yeah, but..." he sighed heavily, settling for a nod in the end.
She smiled, glad that he was learning to handle his temper better, "Okay now, keep that scowl off, yep! Much better! Wanna try my cone, they've been generous with the brownies this time, you know a nice change from your regular mint."
Smirking, he bit into her cone as they heard a shriek of laughter behind them, turning around, they came to witness a rather interesting scene.
Goten was licking his ice cream slowly, demonstrating and babbling, his tongue completely flat resting on the soft, creamy delight, while Valese watched with wide eyes, trying to imitate him, her concentration unwavering.
They quickly looked over towards Pan, who was doubled over in laughter, wheezing as their eyes met.
Unable to hold it back any longer, all of them laughed out loud, that is except one.
"Really? That's all they're showing?"
"I'm sorry dude, they're all filled out, not even a favor could help, guess we're stuck with two genres really-action and horror, honestly, they're both just...bad, I mean the titles...ugh! So you gotta choose between what's less bad of the two."
"Okay then, well you still wanna watch it or-"
"Damn right we're gonna watch it, you can't just take off, not when you were late and you're being a bigger Doof-"
"Fine! Pick one already" Throwing his hands up in frustration, Goten leaned against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest, grumbling.
"Oh, that's simple-Horror! Yep, that's my type!"
"I'm fine with either, as long as I get to sit with him." Marron winked at Trunks, as he chuckled.
"That poster over there is the less lame one, looks like the action, so there's that."
"And you Valese?...What's your pick?"
"I mean Bulla's right, Action works fine...I think."
She seemed to be really out of her element and Goten gave her a lopsided smile, motioning his head towards her foot as she closed her eyes, nodding her head, smiling weakly.
They already acted like a married couple, as if they'd been together for years, just getting each other.
While it humbled some, it irked Bulla, she smacked her lips distastefully.
The seating arrangement was a rather rigid one as the guys sat at the farthest ends, with the girls in the middle, there was absolutely no room for negotiation.
Trunks ranted about how the producers of the film took them for idiots with how poor the action sequences of the movie were, as Marron leaned on his shoulder, simply listening. A grumpy Pan sat beside her, eating a bucket of popcorn furiously, followed by Bulla, with her attention on her neighbors than the movie itself, raking her eyes through Goten's handsome features, as the dim light bounced off of them. The last to be seated was, a highly attentive Valese, ending with a relaxed Goten, his eyes lazy.
Goten had insisted on sitting with her and though Bulla would like any other seating, the closest she could get to him, was by occupying the seat next to her, much to Pan's dismay.
The movie was boring and too scripted for anyone's liking, the only people paying attention to the film, namely Valese, was just trying to wrap her head around the whole thing, not used to the genre or movies in general.
It did serve as a momentary distraction from her pain though, as she turned to Goten, they laughed since more than halfway through the plot, she still hadn't understood a thing, the same applying for him.
Their laughter only got louder from there on, so much so that they decided to head home, apparently disturbing too many people.
That was wrong, it wasn't supposed to be this way! Bulla was enraged, but hearing a familiar yelp in the distance, she was reminded, they could only do exactly that, head home.
She smirked, decidedly liking the movie far more now, as she took pleasure in the loud ringing of the gunshots being fired on screen.
Seeing Valese off, Goten was ecstatic, the flight home was pleasant as he recalled the whole day fondly, considering himself incredibly lucky.
Valese's mother had been just as sweet as Valese herself, the tea and snacks making cordial conversation, her doting nature, reminded of his own home.
Valese felt like home.
He couldn't be happier.
Meanwhile, two girls living at polar opposite ends of the large city, had their heads flooded by the thoughts of the very same adorable hunk.
One hugging her teddy bear, her eyes boring deep into his button eyes, squealing and blushing, burying herself in her blanket.
While the other, stepping into a black, lacy nightie, enjoying dark chocolate as she recounted her heroic rescue in her journal, thinking up something about her friend's friend.
She laughed.